Peromyscus eremicus
Range
They are found in Texas.Habitat
They live in the desert in rocky areas among cliffs.Body Traits
They can reach 7 inches long (180mm), with their tail making up 4 inches of their length. They are dark colored with long hair and large ears.Habits
They are great climbers. They go up trees to feed on seeds and climb cliffs to escape prey. They survive very hot temperatures by going into hibernation (aestivation).Diet
They eat plants, seeds, beans, nuts, and insects. They don’t need to drink water to survive as they get enough moisture in the things they eat, but after a rain they drink!Predators
They are eaten by hawks, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and weasels.Reproduction
Females are pregnant for 3 weeks (gestation) and have 1-4 young. They may have up to 3 litters per year.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They can live up to 3 years, but most do not. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Suborder: Myomorpha
- Family: Cricetidae
- Subfamily: Neotominae
- Genus: Peromyscus
- Species: Peromyscus eremicus